INTERVIEW: Mortez discuss origins and influences alongside new single ‘Down With The Devil’

After turning heads earlier this year with their electrifying release ‘COVEN’, Los Angeles-based duo Mortez return to the spotlight with their thunderous new single ‘Down With The Devil’. A fierce testament to their raw power and fearless artistry, the track channels unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll energy through roaring guitar riffs and explosive backbeats, reigniting a sense of authenticity that feels both nostalgic and strikingly fresh.

Born from a love story in the heart of LA, Mortez is the brainchild of musicians Rachele Royale and Brett Daniels. Rachele, known for her solo work featured on Hulu, MTV, and SiriusXM, brings a dynamic vocal presence and magnetic pop sensibility, while Brett, having shared stages with some of Hollywood’s biggest legends, grounds the duo with his seasoned musicianship and rock-rooted grit. Together, they create a soundscape that is as cinematic as it is electrifying.

In this interview, we delve into the explosive spirit behind ‘Down With The Devil’, explore the creative chemistry that fuels Mortez, and hear how this powerful pair is ready to redefine the rock landscape as they charge into 2025.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Brett: It would have to have been Bon Jovi! My mother listened to nothing but rock music when I was growing up and they were her favorite. That drum break in “it’s my life” would always make me imagine lightning hitting the stage before the chorus.   

Rachele: My first concert ever (at 8 years old) was Van Halen. Seeing a legendary rock band in concert was truly epic. In addition, growing up in a competition dance studio family I was dancing to everything from Korn to Nine Inch Nails, Papa Roach, Janis Joplin and so on. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

Rachele: I’m a grunge rock enthusiast. Crossfade, Staind, Nirvana, The Pretty Reckless, Korn. Audioslave and on and on.

Brett: Avenged Sevenfold was one of those bands you discover yourself as a kid, and they simply transform your entire musical listening journey, and anything the Rev (RIP) had his hands on was like magic to me! The dark macabre theatre was just so enticing. So after that I was catapulted into the metal genre, Slipknot, 5fdp, then heavier stuff like Periphery, and the Contortionist. 

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Brett: Of course! I’m heavily inspired by all kinds of other music. I would say classical and film scores, would be what truly inspire me the most. Like the gut wrenching emotions of Chopin and the technical prowess of Liszt, plus Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman’s way of storytelling and painting such powerful imagery with their sound.

Rachele: Growing up at my Mother’s dance studio, contemporary dance was the main focus for competition. We were always looking for artists that were different and unique such as Bjork, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Imogen Heap, Sarah Brightman, Nico Vega, Sia. These women absolutely shaped the way I write and sing. 

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Rachele: Going through major loss at such a young age has always given me a reason to write about resilience. Going through a rough journey as a solo female pop singer in LA has given me endless material to write about. Redemption, justice, taking my power back etc. are all topics that I tend to return to as a writer. It helps me heal and the hope is that it does the same for our fans. 

Brett: Life experience, I would say, plays a huge part in our writing. Reflecting what we’ve gone through and what we are currently experiencing. But most of all it’s the about the story we want to tell you, and how we want to paint the picture. And using all our collective influences to create something that’s unique and truly ours.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share? 

Rachele: Our new show has a theatrical voiceover in between each song. It brings the audience into another world called “The Mortezian Coven”. Initiating everyone into our coven as they watch. Seeing the women tear up and get emotional is incredible but also puts me at risk of crying 🙂  When you come to our show we are there to remind you that you can manifest your dream life. You can believe in magic. The response after the show is just as humbling. Hearing people say “ I am now a dedicated fan after seeing this” is incredible. 

Brett: I truly just love to see people come together and enjoy themselves. 

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Rachele: This is the first time in my career where I feel safe, loved and cared for. I am repairing my relationship with music because of Brett. Our partnership has been a godsend.

Brett: Finally seeing a response to what I’m creating after all these years has truly felt like a miracle. Through all the struggles and desperate attempts, I finally get to be myself as an artist with the one I love and see people connecting to it!

How would you define success as a musician?

Rachele: Feeling proud of your art is definitely the biggest win. I am proud of my accolades and accomplishments, but at the end of the day, success to me is knowing I am continuing to grow and transform as an artist. The Mortez catalog is hands down the best work I’ve put out. I know that Brett and I will continue to set the bar higher and create music beyond our wildest dreams.

Brett: I would say, to have someone be truly impacted in a good way by the music we create would be such a meaningful success to me. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Rachele: Learn as much as you can and protect yourself. Learn how to register songs properly, distribution, sync placements, creating a brand etc. Find the gurus and mentors on socials who are changing the industry as we speak. Be a part of the change. Artists need to make the money they deserve, and the change starts with all of us!

Brett: Listen to Rachele!! 

Believe in yourself! Your art is valid and amazing! You can do it, and you will do it!

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Listen to Mortez’s new single ‘Down With The Devil’ below.